2020 Nissan Kicks Review

Let's get this out of the way first: Despite the marketing, the 2020 Nissan Kicks isn't really an SUV, at least from our editors' standpoint. All-wheel drive isn't offered, and the Kicks' ground clearance is only slightly better than a comparable hatchback's. But get past that and you'll find a smartly styled small crossover, er, hatchback. Or whatever it is.

The Kicks offers strong value thanks to a budget price tag and wealth of standard features. Even top-trim models undercut rivals by thousands of dollars. Advanced driving aids are central to the Kicks' value statement. And this year a host of safety systems are standard, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and rear parking sensors. The Kicks also boasts one of the largest cargo holds in the class, so drivers looking to downsize don't have to compromise on utility.

But the Kicks has a number of shortcomings, starting with hard interior plastics that match its budget price tag. Acceleration is slow — you'll struggle to out-drag a Prius — and the car's antiquated rear drum brakes contribute to a panic-stopping distance closer to that of a heavy-duty truck than a lightweight crossover. We also find that its seats are among the least comfortable in the class. In all fairness, all subcompact SUVs have some drawbacks in exchange for their low price. The Kicks, unfortunately, simply has more than others.

Our verdict

7.1 / 10

Typical of subcompact crossovers, the Kicks is fuel-efficient and easy to park. We also like its distinctive two-tone paint schemes, smartphone-friendly infotainment system and nimble handling. But lackluster interior quality, seat comfort and cargo flexibility keep the Kicks from being best in class.

How does it drive?

6.5

Performance isn't the Kicks' forte. Though the brakes are easy to modulate, the pedal itself is squishy and feels unnatural. While testing the Kicks, it needed 140 feet to stop from 60 mph — that's lengthy for any car but especially bad for a small, lightweight crossover. Acceleration is similarly leisurely. We measured a 0-60 mph sprint of 10.2 seconds, which is among the slowest you'll find in this class.

The Kicks does have a couple of things going for it in this category. It's fun to drive on a twisty road. The suspension is responsive and keeps the car balanced. We also like how the Kicks' transmission shifts smoothly and delivers adequate response in routine driving. It avoids the usual common annoyances associated with CVT automatics.

How comfortable is it?

6.5

Subcompact vehicles often have to compromise on comfort, but you will want to kick these exceptionally poor seats to the curb. Depending on your seating posture, you'll either notice the front seats' short, narrow bottoms with little thigh support or mushy upper-back portions. The rear seatbacks are too upright, and the bench is flat and hard.

The Kicks can be a little noisy too. Wind noise is adequately managed and only becomes more noticeable at highway speeds. But the Kicks is susceptible to road noise depending on the road surface, with harsher bumps getting transmitted into the cabin. About the only good thing in this category is the Kicks' compliant ride quality.

How’s the interior?

7.0

The Kicks' cabin is easy to climb in and out of and become familiar with. The climate control and touchscreen menus are simple and user-friendly. Thanks to a large greenhouse and low hoodline, it's easy to see out of the front and the sides. The thick rear pillars compromise rear visibility somewhat, but overall it isn't terrible.

On the downside, taller drivers or drivers with big feet may have issues with the driving position. The accelerator is placed too closely to the transmission tunnel, and the low, upright seating position can be uncomfortable. Though cars in this segment naturally compromise on interior packaging, the Kicks is less generous in rear legroom than rivals.

How’s the tech?

8.0

While it doesn't have an available built-in navigation system, the Kicks has everything else a modern smartphone-using driver needs. A trio of USB ports is standard (one up front for data and two charge-only ports in the rear), and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration comes in at the SV level. We've found the 7-inch touchscreen overly reflective, so glare is an issue in direct sunlight.

The many standard driving aids generally work well. The surround-view parking camera system is a rare feature at this price point but is a little overkill for such a small vehicle. Overall, there's a lot of cool tech for such an inexpensive car.

How’s the storage?

7.0

With 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, the Kicks offers more room than most subcompacts. But cargo-carrying versatility is a little lacking. The rear seatback folds in a 60/40 split, but we wish there was a center pass-through for longer items. And most of the small storage areas could stand to be more functional.

How economical is it?

8.5

The Kicks' fuel economy varies wildly based on driving style, but it doesn't take much to keep the average above 30 mpg. We recorded a high of 37.4 mpg from one fill-up with our test car and averaged 33.4 mpg during our test. The EPA says to expect 33 mpg combined (31 city/36 highway).

Is it a good value?

7.5

In this category, value is the name of the game, and the Kicks is slightly ahead of the segment thanks to its low initial starting price. It is constructed as well as can be expected at this price, but we don't like the acres of plastic used on the door panels. Otherwise, enough premium materials are used to keep the interior somewhat interesting.

Warranty coverage stands at three years/36,000 miles overall and five years/60,000 miles for the powertrain. Both are average for the segment. Roadside assistance is offered for three years/36,000 miles, which is also typical for this class.

Wildcard

7.5

There's no reason compact crossovers have to be boring. The Kicks aims to bring some fun lifestyle elements into a segment traditionally bound by logic and rationale. It's partially successful, but quicker acceleration and a nicer interior would go a long way in making the Kicks truly desirable.

Which Kicks does Edmunds recommend?

Unless the Kicks draws you in solely because of its ultra-low price tag, we think it's worth upgrading to one of the more well-equipped trims. The SV adds a ton of content, yet the SR is only marginally more expensive and comes with even more features. We think the LED headlights and surround-view camera system are worth the price of admission alone, but there are other goodies as well. The SR also opens the door to the Premium package and its upgraded accoutrements.

Nissan Kicks models

The 2020 Nissan Kicks is a subcompact crossover available in three trim levels: S, SV and SR. The S trim is very basic, as are the upper trims compared to other subcompact crossovers. All models receive a 1.6-liter four-cylinder (122 horsepower, 114 lb-ft of torque) paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. All-wheel drive is not available.

The optional SR Premium package equips the Kicks with an eight-speaker Bose audio system, simulated leather upholstery and heated front seats. Both the SV and SR trims are eligible for a two-tone paint scheme.

Sponsored cars related to the Kicks

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2020 Nissan Kicks.

5 star reviews: 0%

4 star reviews: 33%

3 star reviews: 33%

2 star reviews: 0%

1 star reviews: 34%

Average user rating: 2.7 stars based on 3 total reviews

Trending topics in reviews

acceleration

comfort

interior

ride quality

transmission

seats

Most helpful consumer reviews

4 out of 5 stars, From a Juke to a Kicks

Kicks Girl, 03/04/2020

SR 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT)

I’ve driven my new Kicks for over 5,000 miles. I’m a commuter. I had a first edition Juke for 7 years and the engine blew at 90,500 miles... I loved the Juke and the get-up-and-go power but after facing replacing and engine and turbo... I decided that wasn’t entirely important. The dealership did right by me and my broken Juke and I had my eye on the black SR Kicks.. I’m a larger person (tall and chubby) and I don’t find the Kicks uncomfortable at all.. I love the look, it gets great mileage and while it doesn’t have that super power of a Juke, it’s not that bad.. I do well on the highway at rush hour... I have no real complaints.. so far it’s a good little car.. when it rains hard the front end camera gets disabled often.. but overall.. I’m pleased..

3 out of 5 stars, My Kicks 2020 experience in points..3106 Miles now

Andy, 05/29/2020

SR 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT)

1-The car is really light and "City" nimble, also on an open road it will gradually gets to high speeds with good control yet if it is a windy day on the highway then the lightness of the car will not be much of grace as you might need extra grip on the steering and also the fuel efficiency will be a bit negatively affected.
2-CVT is not a crime but I personally do not like the car reaching almost 5000 or 6000 RPM just to get a little bit of extra acceleration...such nimble car would have excelled more with a regular Automatic transmission.
3-The ride is not that bumpy but you surely feel the details of every rock or pot-hole...maybe all crossovers are as such but the previous sedans I drove were better on this aspect.
4-Turning radius and car size is a bless in crowded cities but the Kicks would normally four adults...squeezing a fifth person might not be a very good idea.
5-The seats are NASA-inspired zero gravity...yet the downside of this aspect is that normal every non-human object you put on the car "shopping bags - bottles - ...." would heavily roll back and forth with every U-turn or relatively strong braking.
6-The hill start assist is good but do not expect to rev the engine and really increase the speed if a road is sloping upwards for like a mile or two...it would just take some time to get to the needed speed which bring us to the point that car the little underpowered with 1.6L and onlt 149NM torque with almost 120 HP that might not give you a sporty feeling.
7-Again..that CVT revving to get fast acceleration could be really loud "even if its for 2-3seconds" which some may find uncomfortable.
I like the Kicks but Nissan should have given the car more power indeed.

Nissan Kicks vs. the competition

Nissan Kicks vs. Honda HR-V

The Honda HR-V is a top choice in the subcompact class. It features one of the largest cargo holds in the segment as well as innovative seat configurations that help make the cabin usable for storing oddly shaped gear. The Fit is also much more comfortable to drive than the Kicks. Unless your Nissan dealer puts stacks of cash on the hood, stick with the Honda.

Nissan Kicks vs. Hyundai Kona

While the Kona is a relative newcomer to the small SUV class, it's clear Hyundai did its homework with this crossover. The Hyundai Kona punches above its price class with a well-designed interior, road-gripping handling and an intuitive infotainment system. Intrusive wind noise and shabby cabin materials are among its only significant flaws. Overall, the Kona is more appealing than the Kicks.

Nissan Kicks vs. Nissan Rogue Sport

The Kicks and the Rogue Sport both compete in the subcompact class. The primary difference is space — the Rogue Sport has a more accommodating back seat in exchange for a higher price tag. Ultimately, though, the Rogue Sport is a more disappointing vehicle. Its ride is noticeably stiffer, the engine is considerably thirstier, and it costs more than others in the class.

FAQ

Is the Nissan Kicks a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2020 Kicks both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.1 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2020 Kicks gets an average rating of 3 stars out of 5 (based on 3 reviews) You probably care about Nissan Kicks fuel economy, so it's important to know that the Kicks gets an EPA-estimated 33 mpg. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Kicks has 25.3 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Nissan Kicks. Learn more

What's new in the 2020 Nissan Kicks?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Nissan Kicks:

To determine whether the Nissan Kicks is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Kicks. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Kicks's 3-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2020 Nissan Kicks a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2020 Nissan Kicks is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2020 Kicks and gave it a 7.1 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2020 Kicks gets an average rating of 3 stars out of 5 (based on 3 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2020 Kicks is a good car for you. Learn more

If you're interested in the Nissan Kicks, the next question is, which Kicks model is right for you? Kicks variants include S 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT), SR 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT), and SV 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT). For a full list of Kicks models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

What do people think of the 2020 Nissan Kicks?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for
the 2020 Nissan Kicks and all its trim types.
Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2020 Kicks
2.7 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.
Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what
other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database.
Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior,
exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a
comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2020 Kicks.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2020 Nissan Kicks and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2020 Kicks featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

Our Review Process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

What's a good price for a New 2020 Nissan Kicks?

2020 Nissan Kicks SR 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT)

The 2020 Nissan Kicks SR 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $22,215. The average price paid for a new 2020 Nissan Kicks SR 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT) is trending $3,015 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $3,015 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $19,200.

The average savings for the 2020 Nissan Kicks SR 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT) is 13.6% below the MSRP.

Which 2020 Nissan Kickses are available in my area?

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Should I lease or buy a 2020 Nissan Kicks?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you
that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make
higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand,
can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a
new car every three years or so.